Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19

By the US Food and Drug Administration September 21, 2021

COVID-19. We live with it for what sometimes seems like an eternity. Given the number of deaths from the disease, it may come as no surprise that some consumers are turning to medications that are not approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One of the duties of the FDA is to carefully evaluate the scientific data on a drug to ensure that it is both safe and effective for a particular use. In some cases, it can be very dangerous to use a drug for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 that has not been approved by or has not received emergency use approval from the FDA.

There appears to be a growing interest in a drug called ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans. Certain animal formulations of ivermectin, such as pour-on, injectables, paste and “drench,” are approved in the US to treat or prevent parasites in animals. For humans, ivermectin tablets are approved in very specific doses to treat some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

However, the FDA has received multiple reports of patients requiring medical care, including hospitalization, after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for livestock.

Here’s what you need to know about ivermectin

The FDA has not approved or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals. Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice, and skin conditions such as rosacea. Currently available data do not show that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19. Clinical trials of ivermectin tablets for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans are ongoing. Taking large doses of ivermectin is dangerous. If your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for ivermectin, fill it through a legitimate source, such as a pharmacy, and take it exactly as directed. Never use medicines intended for animals on yourself or other people. Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. The use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous.

What Is Ivermectin And How Is It Used?

Ivermectin tablets are FDA-approved to treat people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two conditions caused by parasitic worms. In addition, some topical forms of ivermectin are approved for the treatment of external parasites such as head lice and for skin conditions such as rosacea.

Some forms of animal ivermectin are approved to prevent heartworm disease and treat certain internal and external parasites. It is important to note that these products are different from those made for humans and are only safe when used in animals as directed.

When Could Taking Ivermectin Be Unsafe?

The FDA has not approved or approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 in humans or animals. Ivermectin has not been shown to be safe or effective for these indications.

There is a lot of misinformation going around, and you may have heard that it’s okay to take large doses of ivermectin. It’s not okay.

Even the levels of ivermectin approved for human use can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. You can also overdose on ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (balance problems), seizures, coma, and even death.

Ivermectin products for animals are different from ivermectin products for humans

For starters, veterinary medicines are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals such as horses and cows, which weigh a lot more than we do – a ton or more. Such high doses can be highly toxic in humans. In addition, the FDA evaluates drugs not only on the safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients, but also on the inactive ingredients. Many inactive ingredients found in animal products have not been evaluated for use in humans. Or they are absorbed in much greater amounts than those used in humans. In some cases, we don’t know how those inactive ingredients will affect the absorption of ivermectin in the human body.

Options for preventing and treating COVID-19

The most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 include obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you and following current CDC guidelines.

Talk to your health care provider about available COVID-19 vaccines and treatment options. Your provider can help determine the best option for you, based on your health history.